Virtual reality (VR) generates a 3D image of a seemingly real world. Augmented reality (AR) generates a composite worldview using a computer-generated image. Mixed reality (MR) takes a step further and creates a mixture of physical and virtual environments.
Combining VR, AR, and MR, the concept of extended reality (XR) comes to life. Technology never ceases to amaze us and that’s the beauty of it. XR can transform reality to create unmatched experiences in an immersive environment. It can create a virtual world or augment one’s surroundings.
Now, you may be wondering, “What good does that do to me?”
Tell you what, there are multiple applications of using XR that you shouldn’t miss out on. XR by our side is like holding a pair of aces. And if you don’t want to miss out on its benefits, stick with us as we’re just getting started.
- Entertainment and Gaming Industries
- Healthcare Sector
- Engineering and Manufacturing Units
- E-commerce and Retail Stores
- Workplace and Education
1. Entertainment and Gaming Industries:
XR’s market size is expected to reach $54.5 billion this year. While XR has numerous applications, gaming, and entertainment contribute a lot to it.
Well, why shouldn’t it?
While playing , gamers may want to be in charge of everything around them, especially in the game’s ecosystem. Using XR, they can literally be the main character in a game and immerse themselves in the environment.
You may think that concerts or exhibitions aren’t cut out to be experienced via an XR headset, right? Well, think again because the Denver Museum of Science and Nature is already cashing in on this idea. Enabling people to visit the museum using VR technology, visitors don’t have to step out of their homes to experience the wonders of this museum.
The same goes for movies, concerts, and sports. Aided by XR technology, you can experience the cheers of a bustling crowd without lifting a foot off the couch.
See? That’s how entertaining our lives can be with XR technology. But, cancel out on this idea if you don’t have a quality internet connection. Besides the XR technology itself, a reliable internet connection is crucial to have a wholesome experience. Surely you don’t want to experience lags due to high latency and frequent outages. On that note, consider Optimum español (for Spanish customers) because it boasts first of all, it boasts rare outages and secondly, with great speeds, the bandwidth remains high helping you to enjoy movies, concerts, sports, or any event with XR seamlessly.
2. Healthcare Sector:
The healthcare sector is one of the biggest beneficiaries of XR technology. In the past, it was quite difficult to locate micro parts of a human body like blood vessels, cells, or veins by 2D imaging.
Now, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scan machines are equipped with VR technology, aiding in carving out a virtual image of a patient’s anatomy. Good quality scans help healthcare practitioners to better understand the disease and come up with reliable diagnoses.
Moving forward, a stand-out application of XR is its assistance in surgical training. Doctors can use immersive models to hone their surgical skills in a controlled environment. Plus, they can work on procedures and emergencies that may arise.
3. Engineering and Manufacturing Units:
Generally, working in a manufacturing unit has multiple risks involved. From hazardous chemicals that can be fatal to heavy machinery, a small mistake can cause a lot of damage.
Well, not anymore if you’re assisted by XR technology. Using this technology, new workers can be trained in a controlled and safe environment. They can learn to use risky equipment and handle the robots to do dangerous work. They can counter an emergency effectively if they’re trained for it. And that too, can be done using XR technology.
XR technology has numerous applications in the engineering field too. You may have heard about computer-aided designs (CAD), right? Engineers can use CAD to come up with exciting ideas, try them out using CAD, and see if they work or not. This way, they can try out different ideas and refine them before even getting started.
4. E-commerce and Retail Stores:
E-commerce has changed the way we shop for things. Effortlessly, we can order groceries, apparel, electronics, or other items and have them delivered to our doorsteps.
People could only see pictures or videos of products on e-stores for so long. Although the convenience that comes with e-commerce is undeniable, a gap between customers and products was visible. To bridge that gap, immersive technology can help people to thoroughly examine the products virtually, just like they do in a retail shop.
Retail stores haven’t lagged behind in grasping this concept. While customers can always visit their physical stores , famous brands like Burberry, Nike, and IKEA let people pay a virtual visit too.
This way, e-commerce and retail brands can greatly increase customer engagement and sales.
5. Workplace and Education:
Post-COVID, the trend of remote work and studies has risen. Although it was a new experience for most people, but XR technology has made it easier for students and employees alike.
Remote students, using AR/VR gadgets, can participate in a class setting while sitting in their homes. The same goes for remote employees as well: they can attend meetings or get done with presentations with the help of these immersive technologies.
Remote advantages aside, this technology can create training simulations for students and employees alike. Without being exposed to real-world consequences, XR can help them enhance their skills and learning.
In a nutshell, the benefits of XR technology are countless. Be it at an industrial scale or in an individual capacity, this immersive technology is a game-changer. Looking ahead, the possibilities with AR, VR, and MR are limitless and may open new doors of innovation for XR, beyond our expectations.
